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Hurley Today
By the People, for the People
Lt. Gov. Morales Highlights Key Legislation in New Mexico Session
Includes $1.5 billion transportation bond, medical licensure compact, and potential Gila Regional Medical Center support
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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In an interview, New Mexico Lt. Gov. Howie Morales discussed several key pieces of legislation that have passed or are in progress during the current legislative session, including a $1.5 billion transportation bond, a medical licensure compact to improve telehealth access, and potential support for Gila Regional Medical Center's cancer center.
Why it matters
The legislative session's outcomes will impact infrastructure, healthcare access, and local medical facilities across New Mexico, particularly in Grant County where Morales says the area was well-represented during Grant County Day.
The details
Morales noted that the state's budget has already passed the House and is moving through the Senate. A major $1.5 billion transportation bond bill was also signed into law last week, fully funding the second phase of the U.S. 180 widening project between Hurley and Faywood. Additionally, the Legislature passed a medical licensure compact that allows physicians licensed in other states to more easily practice in New Mexico and enables patients to access specialists via telehealth, reducing the need for out-of-state travel. Morales is also working on legislation that may affect Gila Regional Medical Center and its cancer center.
- The 2026 legislative session is in its final full week.
- The state budget has already passed the House and is moving through the Senate.
- A $1.5 billion transportation bond bill was signed into law last week.
- Grant County Day was held last month.
The players
Howie Morales
The Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico who discussed the legislative session's key outcomes in an interview.
Luis Terrazas
Republican District 39 state Representative who was contacted for comment on the legislative session.
Gabriel Ramos
Republican District 28 state Senator who was contacted for comment on the legislative session.
Gila Regional Medical Center
A medical facility in New Mexico that may receive support through legislation Morales is working on.
What they’re saying
“That'll be the constitutional requirement that we have to do this session, is to pass a balanced budget.”
— Howie Morales, Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico (scdailypress.com)
“Now, because of the signage of the medical compacts, they're able to do it via technology.”
— Howie Morales, Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico (scdailypress.com)
“That'll be something that I'll be working with the [Senate] Finance Committee to move that piece of legislation through quickly.”
— Howie Morales, Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico (scdailypress.com)
What’s next
The state budget still needs to pass the Senate before being signed into law. Morales is also continuing to work on legislation that may affect Gila Regional Medical Center's cancer center.
The takeaway
The 2026 New Mexico legislative session has seen the passage of key bills to improve infrastructure, healthcare access, and support for local medical facilities - demonstrating the state government's commitment to addressing important issues for its residents.
